Monkey 47

Pernod Ricard’s premium gin brand Monkey 47 has introduced a bottle made from 95% post-consumer recycled glass (PCR) for its Sloe Gin.

The company says the bottle for Monkey 47 Schwarzwald Sloe Gin was made possible by working with specialist ‘wild glass’ supplier ESTAL. Apparently, the bottles’ labels are to be made with crushed citrus paper, using 15% citrus fruit leftovers and 40% recycled fibres.

Pernod Ricard adds that the cork used is ‘naturally harvested and CO2 absorbent’, and the shrink wraps are made with renewable polylactic acid (PLA) from fermented plant starch. The company states that the total recycled content of the new Sloe Gin bottle stands at 95% compared to 18% for the current bottle.

Gregory Chevillat, general manager at Black Forest Distillers, says: “Sustainability is a given at Monkey 47. It reflects our deep connection to the Black Forest, which is known for its pristine landscapes and biodiversity. By choosing renewable materials that are responsibly sourced, we ensure that our packaging aligns with our values of protecting the planet.”

Brockmans Gin announced its new lightweight bottle in July, designed with 51% PCR and said to have 30% less glass weight on average than its direct competitors. The company claimed the new packaging uses lighter glass, can be widely recycled and reduces the product’s environmental footprint.

In September, Diageo brand Johnnie Walker revealed its limited edition Blue Label Ultra bottle, said to be the brand’s lightest 70cl Scotch whisky glass bottle and - to the best of the brand’s knowledge - the world’s lightest. At 180g without the closure, Diageo says the teardrop shape meant reforming the square Johnnie Walker bottle for the first time.

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